Warning: May Cause Damage

My computer came with built-in protection software that gives me a warning whenever I run a program or visit a website that could potentially harm its system. The pop-up message gives me the opportunity to think about what I’m doing and decide if I really want to proceed with the action. If I’m not fully confident in the site or programming, I don’t risk it. I don’t want to damage my laptop.

Just like a computer virus, words can cause great harm, sometimes irreparable.  And when negative emotions are involved, the more likely the first words out of the mouth will be toxic.

What if we came with safety programming like a computer? Our brain could scan our pending words and warn us that, if we proceed, they could cause potential harm to our relational system. What damage could be prevented if we’d allowed time to think about the larger impact of speech.

The mouth has far too much freedom and today’s culture encourages even more. But simply because we have the legal freedom to say something, doesn’t mean it should be said. The Bible is clear in warning us repeatedly of the destructive power of the tongue.

As believers, we, more than anyone, should have a safety switch on our words. There is one available to us, the Holy Spirit living inside of us. But we must train ourselves to turn to Him first. The more we do, the more automatic it becomes to seek His input before responding. And, in turn, the less likely our words will cause damage to our relationship systems.

Before speaking, but most especially when emotions are involved, ask the Holy Spirit to give you the right words. They’ll be:

T-  true

H-  helpful

I-   ideal

N-  necessary &

K-  kind

“And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.”

Matt. 12:36-37

©AnnWilds2012